Durham, N.H.- Backed by a season-high score of 192.400, the University of New Hampshire’s women’s gymnastics team defeated Pittsburgh University (190.075) and Brigham Young University (191.2) Saturday night in Lundholm gymnasium.
With the win the Wildcats improve to an impressive record of 5-1.
For the fourth consecutive meet sophomore Helena Diodati (Scarborough, Maine) notched at least a tie for first place on vault as she and teammate freshman Chelsea Steinberg (Ridgewood, N.J.) each scored a 9.850 in the event. This mark was a personal best for Steinberg and was a huge improvement over her previous record of 9.575. Rounding out the top three was Diane Grey (Spring, Texas) as she tied for third with a score of 9.725, also a new personal best.
Diodati was UNH’s best gymnast on bars after capturing third place with a mark of 9.725. Sophomore Keeley Smith (University Place, Wash.) posted a personal best 9.550, good enough to for a four-way tie for eighth place.
On beam the Wildcats recorded a 1-2 finish thanks to sophomore Taryn LaFountain’s (Utica, N.Y.) score of 9.875 and Steinberg’s mark of 9.825, giving them first and second place, respectively. Steinberg’s 9.825 was also a new personal record.
Senior co-captain Rebekah Porter (Valparaiso, Ind.) earned a three-way tie for first with a score of 9.625. In her first collegiate meet, freshman Andie Sablosky (Springfield, N.J.) tied for fourth place with teammate Smith and BYU’s Hayley Jensen, as they all posted a 9.60.
The Wildcats return to action on Friday, Feb. 1 vs. Alaska, Bridgeport and Brown. The meet is set to begin at 7 p.m. in Lundholm Gymnasium. The following week they will be the host of the UNH/Fox Run Invitational at the Whittemore Center. Tickets may be purchased online at www.unhwildcats.com.